Take Better Care Of This Integral House Feature To Avoid A Major Eyesore

Your home's exterior is what people are first met with when visiting you,  so it plays a major role in shaping their first impression. Whether you're planning on putting your home on the market or just want to spruce it up a bit, raising its curb appeal should be your priority. Among all the elements that affect curb appeal, your front door deserves special attention. As the literal gateway to your home, your front door can make or break the look of your entire place. To make sure this important feature elevates the look of your home, just finding your perfect front door isn't enough. Maintenance is another important part of the equation, as it makes all the difference between a door that looks well-kept and inviting and one that feels shabby and off-putting.

Over time, weather and general wear and tear can take a toll on your front door, resulting in peeling paint, rusty hardware, and accumulated dirt. Luckily, some basic maintenance can reverse these effects, keeping the door fresh-looking and functional. Taking proper care of your front door does more than just stop it from becoming an eyesore. In fact, a well-maintained front door can boost your home's value by 7% or even more, making regular upkeep well worth the effort.

Your exact front door care routine will depend on the type of door you have, as common front door materials like wood, steel, or fiberglass all come with different maintenance requirements. For example, a wood front door requires cleaning with a mild detergent and water solution, thorough drying to prevent warping, and annual reapplication of a sealant or varnish to protect it from moisture and sun damage. Meanwhile, steel doors benefit from wipe-downs with mild soap and water, careful drying to prevent water spots, and occasional repainting to prevent rust. Fiberglass doors only require cleaning with gentle water and soap, rinsing and drying, and occasional inspections for damage.

Regardless of the best way to clean your front door based on its type, aim for cleaning it once a month to keep it dust- and dirt-free, with a deeper clean once every year. A solid maintenance routine should also include occasional weatherstripping, hardware checks, and upgrades to keep your front door functional in addition to good-looking. Regular inspections don't just help you stay on top of maintenance tasks. They can also reveal signs that it's time to replace your front door, helping preserve your home's curb appeal in the long run.